1. Philadelphia Phillies – I think the Phillies get healthier and re-claim top spot in the division. It is a veteran team that knows how to win and added Michael Young from Texas to play 3B…also added Mike Adams to setup for Jonathan Papelbon.
2. Atlanta Braves – Never count the Braves out even in the post-Bobby Cox era. They added both Upton Brothers to give them a dynamic outfield along with Jason Heyward. This team was challenged offensively last year, think that will change.
3. Washington Nationals – Think the Nats take a step back. Momentum was killed when Stephen Strasburg was taken out of the rotation and the team lost to the Cardinals in the Divisional round. Have a good nucleus but think both teams above them in the picks helped themselves more in the off season trades.
4. New York Mets – The first three teams are a long way ahead of the bottom two. The Mets gave 3B David Wright a big contract. The rest of the lineup looks rather weak. The Mets decided not to spend big on Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey and sent him to Toronto. They need a return to form for Johan Santana. They are thankful Miami is in the division or they would be last.
5. Miami Marlins – Last year was a disaster in that nothing worked including manager Ozzie Guillen. In the off-season they got rid of a lot of high priced talent like Jose Reyes to Toronto. This team has the look of a AAA team. I like RF Giancarlo Stanton…but he can be pitched around in this line
BASEBALL TRIVIA CONTEST: Win a 15-ticket Flex Pack from the Boise Hawks – where you can pick the games you get to see – a $130 value! Email the correct answer to [email protected]. We will draw a winner from all correct answers.
The NL East question – Bryce Harper of the Nationals was they youngest position player in history to win the NL Rookie of the Year and play in the All-Star game. Who was the youngest pitcher in history to do it?
